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Auctioneer

State/Territory Specific Information

Auctioneers conduct sales at which property or goods are sold to the person offering the highest purchase price.

Auctioneers may perform the following tasks:

  • check the property or articles for auction, list items to be catalogued, arrange placement of advertisements in newspapers, magazines and online, and organise the display of merchandise for inspection before the auction
  • talk to vendors (sellers) to work out the lowest price at which the vendor is prepared to sell (the 'reserve price')
  • read out the terms and conditions of sale at auctions and, if necessary, present relevant documents (e.g. zoning restrictions applying to real estate)
  • answer questions to make sure the terms of sale are clear
  • comment on any special features of the item being sold, call a starting price and ask for the first bid
  • ask for bids and carefully adjust the amount by which bids are advanced until the item being sold goes 'under the hammer' to the highest bidder
  • supervise the work of others as sales are finalised at the auction.

Specialisations:

Auctioneers may specialise in selling certain types of goods such as livestock, produce, real estate, vehicles, plant and equipment, antiques and general household items. Some auctioneers may also specialise in online auctions.

They need to be thoroughly familiar with the property or goods they are offering for sale so they can recommend a realistic reserve price to vendors.

Auctioneers may be required to travel to inspect property or merchandise, or to visit prospective clients. During an auction they usually stand on a platform where they can be clearly heard and seen by all the people present.

Sometimes they work outdoors, for instance, when involved in an auction of livestock or real estate auctioned on the site. They may also work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends.

Personal Requirements:

  • strong, clear voice
  • able to make quick, sound decisions
  • self-confidence
  • able to address large groups of people.

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